Know before you go: the Philippines

Every arriving traveller registers free at etravel.gov.ph, within 72 hours before landing. Save the QR code to your phone. Ignore paid look-alike sites.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, or you can be refused boarding or entry. Carry proof of your return or onward flight too.

Buy strong cover before you go, including medical evacuation and any diving or scooter riding. See our insurance guide.

Let your bank know you're travelling so your cards aren't blocked when you first use them abroad.

Outside the cities, most tricycles, small shops, port fees and eateries only take cash. Carry pesos in small notes and coins.

Withdraw in Cebu City, Tagbilaran or Dumaguete before heading to smaller islands. Most ATMs charge a fee each time, so take out more, less often.

Keep a second bank card in a different bag, in case one is lost, swallowed by an ATM or blocked.

Hotels, bigger restaurants and malls take cards. Small places rarely do.

The easiest option: buy a travel eSIM online and you're connected the moment you land.

Smart and Globe sell SIMs at the airport. You'll need your passport, proof of where you're staying and your return ticket to register it. Tourist SIMs work for 30 days.

Island Wi-Fi can be slow or drop out. Download offline maps and save your bookings to your phone before you travel.

Plugs are type A and B (US-style flat pins) and type C (two round pins). Most sockets take both.

UK, European and Australian plugs need an adapter. Phone and laptop chargers marked 100–240V work fine.

Your plugs fit, but the voltage is higher. Check single-voltage devices like hair dryers before plugging them in.

Ride-hailing in Cebu City and Manila, and in some other areas. On smaller islands, use tricycles or ask Ann.

Download the maps for every island on your route before you leave home.

It includes Cebuano and Filipino. Download the languages for offline use.

How Ann, drivers and most local businesses keep in touch.

You're on boats. Keep a change of clothes and your electronics in a dry bag inside your luggage.

Fast ferries run the air-con very cold, especially in business class.

Every ferry has toilets, but bring your own tissues and sanitiser.

Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent and water shoes for rocky beaches.

Plasters, rehydration salts, any medicines you take, and seasickness tablets.

A photo of your passport, insurance and bookings on your phone and in your email.

Always agree the price before getting into a tricycle or an unmetered taxi.

Buy ferry tickets only at official counters, or let Ann book them. Agree a price with porters before they take your bags.

Ports and terminals get crowded. Keep your phone, passport and cash in a zipped bag in front of you.

Tap water isn't safe to drink. Use bottled water or refill stations.

Boats are cancelled in rough seas, most often in the rainy and typhoon months (roughly June to November). Leave a buffer day before international flights.

Filipinos are famously warm. A little politeness and patience is always returned.

Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches.

Not expected, but small tips for drivers, porters and good service are appreciated. Check whether a service charge is already on the bill.

Smoking is banned in most public places across the Philippines, including ports and ferries.